SMU Page Series event to highlight Harriet Tubman
WINONA, Minn. — Shadow puppets and illuminated scenery will bring the story of Harriet Tubman to life in the next Saint Mary’s University Page Series performance Friday, Jan. 15. The Underground Railroad Theatre will present, “Are You Ready my Sister?” at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre, located in SMU’s Performance Center.
This historical adventure story of Harriet Tubman the “great conductor” of the Underground Railroad and the Quaker women who helped her bring 300 slaves to freedom features live music based on spirituals of the time, dramatic scenes and audience participation. The set, a giant patchwork quilt, unfolds the story; each square of the quilt is brought to life with shadow puppets and illuminated scenery.
Harriet Tubman was born a slave but later became a fugitive from slavery, fleeing from Southern states where slavery was practiced to Northern states where it was not. She then became a “conductor” on the so-called Underground Railroad, returning to the South to bring other fugitives out of slavery.
For over 25 years, Underground Railroad Theatre’s artistry has delighted audiences, young and old, through the combination of acting, puppetry and music that explores community concerns. The company is committed to presenting theater that provokes discussion, builds bridges between people and reflects cultural diversity.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at www.pagetheatre.org.
In conjunction with this event, the Winona County Historical Society will present an exhibit titled “Fight for Freedom,” which will explore Winona County’s link to the struggle to end slavery. The exhibit will feature Company K (the men of this region who fought with the 1st Minnesota during the Civil War), Fredrick Douglass’ visit, and case studies of successful African Americans who found new lives in Winona County. This exhibit, free and open to the public, will be on display in the lobby of the Performance Center from Jan. 11 through Feb. 12.
